The joy of modern minimalist home design

First, we had organiser extraordinaire Marie Kondo share her secrets to a minimalistic, well ordered home. Then, COVID lockdowns gave us more than enough time to declutter.

But what minimalist design cues should we take when building a home from scratch?

Burbank’s Interior Designer Ruby Talaj said living minimally did not mean living within empty, clinical surrounds. In fact, a clever house design can pay dividends with it comes to creating a simple vibe.

“First and foremost, having a trusted builder and access to expert interior designers will help you to strike a balance between having a home that has a minimalistic feel and creating a home with character, warmth and a welcoming personality,” Mrs Talaj said.

“At Burbank, we pride ourselves on offering a wrap-around service that includes a functional home that meets your needs and lifestyle, whether it be much-needed extra storage space or clever designs to hide household mess.

“And of course, Burbank’s sophisticated virtual reality platform, HomeX, allows customers to view customised options in real time so they can experience your home in 4-dimensions and 360 degrees before it is even built.”
 

There are several benefits of minimal living.

Here are some ideas to consider when it comes to fine-tuning a minimalist home.

Clear the clutter
Kitchens are often central to our homes and can quickly become a dumping ground for schoolbags, laptops and lunchboxes at the end of a hectic day.
 
Therefore, walk-in pantries, butler’s pantries or ‘drop zone’ cupboards make good sense when it comes to planning for a home with a minimalist ambiance.

Crafty design options like creating storage space under the stairs or incorporating laundry facilities in a walk-in pantry can also be worthwhile considerations if you want to maximise opportunities for minimalism.

Home offices can often become overrun with books and paperwork making them look unsightly. But inventive under desk storage, compartment trays or built-in cabinetry can help minimise the mess. Add a small plant and some artwork as personal flourishes.



Substantial storage
Additional storage spaces with doors like a walk-in cupboards or a butler’s pantry can help hide household clutter and provide a designated place for everything. This leaves your kitchen benchtops free for food preparation or your laundry bench ready for the folding.

When it comes to interior design, think outside the square when it comes to storage. Consider options that may not present as regular storage options or have a dual purpose, like an ottoman or under bed drawers. 

 

Be selective
Minimalist does not have to mean bland or boring. Rather than a sterile feel, it is important to keep some classic, homely touches so your abode has personality and is a true reflection of the individuals who live there.

Think statement pieces like one eye-catching artwork rather than littering the walls with lots of pictures, holiday happy snaps and photos of the rellies. The adage ‘less is more’ really is the basis of a minimalist home so don’t be afraid to be selective.

A few quality items with a splash of colour will be much more pleasing on the eye. For example, a beautiful bright jug or a vase of colourful flowers.

If you have a lot of trinkets you like to display and can’t stomach the thought of life without them, why not store them in a clever design space under stairs or display them on rotation.
 

Less furniture, more room
Focus on one room at a time and plan how you want to begin your minimalist home design journey. Starting with smaller tasks will make the bigger project more manageable and less overwhelming.
 
Of course, moving into a brand-new home, means you are starting with a fresh pallet and crisp interior so when it’s time to move, you may want to start anew and leave behind any furniture and belongings you may no longer need.

Think of eliminating furniture without sacrificing your comfort. For example, if you have your TV on the wall, you may not need a cabinet underneath. Or, if you only regularly have four people at the dinner table, store any additional chairs out of sight until it’s time to entertain.
 
Ask yourself what is truly essential for your everyday living. Once you’ve settled on the most important items, clear everything else, store it away or drop items to your local charity shop so someone else can put them to good use.

Need some design inspiration? Join us on socials! 
Instagram: @burbankliving
Pinterest: @burbankliving